The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-04


broken upon in manner TO rouse into
instant action the enfeebled vitality of the
four officers and quicken their interest TO
degree of excitement. Cries of alarm
broke on the air from the direction of Col.
Humby's bungalow. These were followed
in minute or two by the native servants
flying in all direction from the compound.
"Humby is in a iii, " observed one OF
the officers. Il suppose he is thrashing
the natives"
He had hardly spoken when a short,
sharp scream pierced the air, and the four
men leaped TO their feet.
lie is killing his wife !" cried one.
There was minute's silence-painful
and anxious silence TO those chivalrous
men, thinking OF the unprotected girl sub
Jected TO the brutality OF mailman in
that Isolated bungalow, Then white ig-
ure appeared in the yeranda; she stood for
moment in an attitude of fear and indie
cislon, and turning her head quickly
toward the door by which she had emerged,
sprang from the Veranda and ran down the
garden among the shrubs. The four Off
GERS were IN a distressing situation. The
most chivalrous are bound, under the
usagcs OF civilization, TO hesitate before in
terfering between man and wife. There
was further reason for hesitating here.
The man might be menacing her
life, but they could not say so
he might be simply treating her
with that brutality in which the law pas.
slvely licenses the unresisting tyrant But
for men in their position to thrust them
selves. from whatever motive, into the
domestic concerns OF an official holding
the high civil rank of Col. Humby was an
act OF tcmerity at which they had good
reason TO hesitate. 0fiicialism is the gov
erning power in India and certain status
! in the service carries with il (if need bel
practical exemption from the operations OF
the law.
"There he is,'' was the exclamation, MS
| Col. Humby was seen Keeling into the
vemnda. lie appeared TO be searching
for his wife. Not finding her, he stepped
| off the vcranda and went slowly down
through the garden.
lie will find hcr-sh is in white. Are
we men TO stand here?' exclaimed one Of
! the officers.
"Not /, for one" answered Lieut.. Ever.
set, with set tccthf III the man were the
! Goyemor-General, he shall not ill-usc his
wife again while can protect her. lie
dartcd down the compound as he spoke,
! followed by the Others, and took dircc-
ton which led toward that part OF the gar
den whittier Mrs. llumby had disappeared.
! Her husband was still Laundering about
among the bushes some distance up.
Everest had placed his loot upon the low
earth fence TO step into the garden, when
he saw her croUching in n heap beneath an
orange tree. The young officer remained
where he was, ready TO leap across. Col.
! llumby called his wife's name, and the
! poor thing crouched closer 10 the ground,
with her hands clasped above her head, rs
If TO offer what fiuil protection they could
against a coming blow. Everests blood
boiled and his fingers twitched sayagely
| Regardless OF consequences, there was a
bute's punishment awaiting the deputy
commissioner US soon rs lac discovered his
wife's hiding place. The intoxicated beast
was 80 long in coming! Every detOur TO
right or left among the shrubs made Ever.
Csts teeth snap with impotence.
Before the wished for moment OF dire
chastiscmcnt, however, a shrek OF agOn-
lied terror from Mrs. llumby brought the
officer with leap TO the spot. lie stag.
gcrcd with horror when he discovered the
cause. 4 cobra was wriggling up the tree
at the foot OF which the unfortunate Girl
/
| paused a moment in its ascent, and with
Hittcring eyes and angriy extended
hood, - Kissed is defiance. Everest had
nothing in his hand; and ohlivious TO dan
ger. clenchcd bis fist and dealt the dreaded
snake 70 terrific q blow behind the hood
that It's spine was shattered, and 1t drop.
ped . the ground, coiling and rccoiling IN
vicious knobs, but powcrless 10 do further
mischief. Then the officer raised the M.
conscious woman in his arms, and bor
her from the spot. The Others on hearing
the shrek had entered the garden. too,
and met Eycrtst carrying Mrs. llumby.
"liun quickly, one Of YOU, for Or. Rains.
iord-she has been bitten by n cobra"
Good heavensW was the exclamation Oi
all three together. Then one started az a
run Tor the doctor; while ano,hcrObscrycd.
below his breath: I'll that is 80, Charlie.
the doctor will be little use; she will be-
deal before hc Is here. Take her MP 10 the
bungalow Halfway up the path Col.
llumby stood, In flannel trousers and shirt.
Mr.. Everest, carrying the girl in his arms,
walked first. his two brother officers FOL.
lowing close behind. The deputy commits.
sioncr took position IN the middle ol the
path, evidently determined 10 allow them
10 20 no further.
"what does this mcan?' demanded
ilumby.
your vile has been bitten by cobra
let me pass, answered Everest.
The man seemed staggered Tor mo-
mcut. and looked closely into the white
face which lay on Eyercsts shoulder. Then
he drew back q pace and rlarcd n the
Young officer. "Put her down. he com.
mnndcd, pointing 20 the ground. "Whgi
brought you there? Put my wife down,
saw"
The Young fellows breath came quicl,
and hard and for short space hc W..
unable a. speak. then, to the establishment
oi his friends, he slowly and gently laid
the unconscious form across the path, and
having done ~. drew himself erect nnd
looked at Col. lIumby. Tho latter made
a motion TO approach his wife; but In an
instant Eycrrsts foot was across her; anl
/. shaking IN every libcr from excitement, h,
put out his clenchcd hand and stoppcJ
the man.
"Col. llumby,n he shouted, 81 will Civ,
YOU ten seconds TO obey. Get out Of M!
way, or"
Col Iumby was sober enough 10 SCI
his danger. With low growl, like that O
J q banlcd beast, hc turned his back an,
. walked OIL Everest drew a deep brcatl
! and tcndcrly lifted Ms. Humby in hi
! arms. They laid her on a couch IN th
{ vcnnda, administering Himulants ~ wei
. as they could until Dr. Rainsiord arrived
which was In less than ten minutes.
5 "a cobra, did you say?' inquired th
: doctor, proceeding TO examine hands an,
( feet for the puncturc Of the poisoned fang
I 81 saw Il Wriggling up the tree undo
5 which she was sitiing-l killed IT," wa
the answer.